Feb. 14 — NORWICH — A 16-year veteran Norwich police officer was arrested Monday on a third-degree larceny charge following a two-year investigation by state police and the Chief State’s Attorney’s office into theft of funds from the Norwich Police Benevolent Association, city and state police announced Wednesday. Ryan R. O’Connell, 42, of Preston, former president of the PBA, was charged in connection with missing funds from the PBA totaling $3,168.92 from 2019 through 2021, according to the affidavit for his arrest warrant. The total represented 92 separate purchases during the five-year statute of limitations period allowed for felony prosecutions, the affidavit stated. The purchases ranged from $2.13 at Dunkin Donuts and $2.75 at Dairy Queen to $476.10 at Fairfield…
